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Philly's new fight: SoNo or Callow East; #Run4AllWomen this weekend; South Philly casino doubles down
Newsletter for Friday, Aug 11 2017
Instagram of the Day
Northern Liberties, SoNo, Callow East and the neighborhood name game
The blocks just outside Old City and below the most popular parts of Northern Liberties comprise one of the last undeveloped sectors near downtown, and it's open season as to what this area could end up being called. Will it be SoNo? Callow East? A mere 5 percent of the people who took our Twitter poll voted for the latter (but, OK, 89 percent voted for please make this stop). Here's the case for (and against) renaming this part of Philly.
Carson Wentz was perfect. The backups...notsomuch
The Eagles lost 24-9 to Green Bay Thursday, but by the looks of the first drive of preseason, we're going to the Super Bowl. By the looks of the rest of the game? We're doomed. Carson Wentz was 4-for-4, hitting Jordan Matthews three times before hooking up with Mack Hollins for a spectacular 38-yard TD. And that's it. Remember how everyone's talking about Nelson Agholor being great this preseason? He had a ball go right through his hands on a 2-pt conversion. Rookie Derek Barnett had two sacks and the defense played well at times, but most of the offensive backups were, well, offensive. The Birds' backup QBs threw two picks, and the team had five fumbles, losing two. Here's a look at who did what in the sloppy loss.
30 new addiction recovery housing beds will open Monday
On the heels of the displacement of nearly 80 homeless people with addiction on Philly's Conrail tracks at Gurney Street in Fairhill, 30 new addiction recovery housing beds are set to open in West Philly on Monday. Eight women recently released from correctional and behavioral health facilities will get beds, but the founder of the housing nonprofit Why Not Prosper is working to fill up the other spots in the organization's newest facility. Here's how the recovery house will work.
Why women are running from Philly to Harrisburg this weekend
Inspired by the pre-Inauguration run from NYC to DC, a group of West Philly women is taking on advocacy for women's health issues in Pennsylvania by organizing #Run4AllWomen events. Up next: Saturday's run to Harrisburg. Yep, that's 115 miles. Check out the route, sign up to run or just show support at a cheer station. The run will raise money for Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania, and we're strapping a GoPro to one of our dedicated interns for the first leg of the relay.
Featured Event
Get friendly with crawly critters at Bug Fest
Hundreds of millipedes, centipedes, scorpions, stick insects, caterpillars, tarantulas and live beetles — including one of the world's largest. It sounds like a movie from '70s Italian horror director Dario Argento, but it's all in the name of science and fun. This annual event celebrates insects with hands-on activities like roach-petting (seriously) and demos of bedbug sniffing dogs, plus cricket cookies and other eats. Great for kids and anyone entomologically inclined.
Where: Academy of Natural Sciences at 1900 Ben Franklin Pkwy. 19103
When: August 12, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. to August 13, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.
How much: Free with admission ($18 adults, $14 kids)
Billy Penn Likes
Where to watch the EPL opening weekend in Philly
English Premier League season starts with one match today and a full slate of matches Saturday and Sunday. The EPL is the most popular league in the world and Philly is a huge soccer city, so we ran down which local bars and pubs have EPL opening weekend specials. Newcastle fan looking for some top-flight friends? Arsenal supporter lamenting one more season under Wenger? In search of a full English breakfast and a pint while you cheer on Liverpool this weekend? You'll never walk alone, so long as you check out this handy guide.
The South Philly casino project just cleared its final legal hurdle
Hey, remember the South Philly casino project? The state gaming board awarded the license for the city's second casino way back in 2014. And then came the legal battles. The most recent hold-up revolved around a law that prevents a casino owner from owning more than a third of another casino. Now that Watche "Bob" Manoukian, who owns just about 85 percent of Parx Casino in Bensalem, is gifting a $34 million trust to his sons, he doesn't have enough of a financial interest in the South Philly casino to violate the Gaming Act. The Gaming Board will write an official notice of their approval, and barring appeal to the PA Supreme Court, the project will move forward.


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While looking through my doodle folder last night, I found a few things that I had forgotten about. Aside from there being no money in dorky doodling, that's kind of like finding a $20 bill in a coat from last winter, bonus!
I was in graph/charts mode a few weeks ago and drew up a bunch of them. I have no idea why I didn't actually post any — especially since I've been short on time and haven't posted as often as I like — but here we go. And, nope, I'm not gonna post them all at once. I'm gonna save some for a rainy day, which will probably be next week, unless I forget again. (And if y'all see me comment about not being able to think of anything to post or having time to come up with anything, remind me that I have these, okay?)
So, my kids are always asking for something. They want a snack, they want to watch TV, they want to go to Sports Connection tomorrow, they want to go to the park, they want to go buy toys, they want, they want, they want. Like any good parent who wants to delay the whining a straight up "No" will cause, I'll usually answer, "Maybe," as long as they aren't asking for something completely ridiculous. ("Can I eat all the marshmallows out of the Lucky Charms?" Uh, no. Oh wait, you're going to your grandparents' house today? Then knock yourself out, because payback is a bitch.)
As most of y'all know, anytime you answer "Maybe," that means it's usually not happening. I mean, sure, there's a slight chance that I'll hate myself enough the next day to willingly subject myself to the torture that is Chuck E. Cheese, but probably not. And being the procrastinator (and hater of headaches) that I am, I prefer to put off the "Aw man" and "Why not?" whines until later. The next day I can answer "Maybe" again, and we'll keep that going until they either forget or realize it ain't happening and stop asking. (Nine times out of ten, it's usually the former.)
This is probably the part where a couple folks will skip to the end and tell me that they always tell their kids "No" and give an honest explanation or some crap because they're parenting rock stars. In which case, I'd remind you that my kid gave me a coffee mug that said "(Mostly) Okayest Mom Ever" on it and move along.
Still here? Then here's the doodle chart I promised.
See? There is a tiny sliver of hope in there.
What would you add to the pie chart?
I'd like to give a shout out to Candy at GeekMamas.com for including me as a guest poster! Check out the post here.
Want to connect on social media? You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tempest Store
Harvard Book Store welcomes award-winning author of fifteen previous books TERRY TEMPEST WILLIAMS for a discussion of her latest book, The Hour of Land: A Personal Topography of America's National Parks, just as the National Park Service celebrates its Centennial this August.
About The Hour of Land
America's national parks are breathing spaces in a world in which such spaces are steadily disappearing, which is why more than 300 million people visit the parks each year. Now Terry Tempest Williams, the author of the environmental classic Refuge and the beloved memoir When Women Were Birds, returns with The Hour of Land, a literary celebration of our national parks, an exploration of what they mean to us and what we mean to them.
From the Grand Tetons in Wyoming to Acadia in Maine to Big Bend in Texas and more, Williams creates a series of lyrical portraits that illuminate the unique grandeur of each place while delving into what it means to shape a landscape with its own evolutionary history into something of our own making. Part memoir, part natural history, and part social critique, The Hour of Land is a meditation and a manifesto on why wild lands matter to the soul of America.
"A collection of essays that's a personal journey as much as a meditation on the purpose and relevance of national parks in the 21st century . . . Williams's language has its own visceral beauty . . . The Hour of Land is one of the best nature books I've read in years, filled with seductive prose . . . It's impossible to do Williams's thought-provoking insights and evocative images justice in a short review. My only advice is to read the book. And then read it again, with pen in hand. And then visit a national park, because as Williams reminds us, they are 'portals and thresholds of wonder, ' the 'breathing spaces for a society that increasingly holds its breath.'" —Andrea Wulf, The New York Times Book Review
"Williams (When Women Were Birds), a longtime environmental activist, adds a meditative element to memoir as she shares her abiding love for America's open spaces . . . In passionate and insightful prose, Williams celebrates the beauty of the American landscape while reinforcing the necessity of responsible stewardship." —
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A High School Boundary Task Force was formed in April 2017 to develop high school boundary options that address the opening of Lincoln, future enrollment growth and physical space demands. The role of the task force is to gather, analyze, review, and consider information and data and to prepare a report to the Superintendent of Schools regarding Seattle Public Schools high school boundary issues.
Read more about the High School Boundary Task Force.
Do you want to delete all occurrences of the recurring appointment "High School Boundary Task Force ", or just this one?
Delete this occurrence.
Delete this series.


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As the most expensive and heaviest single part of an E/E architecture the automotive wiring harness provides great potential for optimization and cost-savings. PREEvision helps wire harness engineers to find cost-effective wire and cable assembly designs.
To evaluate different alternatives, to optimize designs and to define final wire harnesses in detail, the model-based tool provides powerful functions: multiple modeling layers including tables and diagrams and special features like a wiring harness router, a current calculation as well as import and export functions.


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Fresno State beats Houston 33-27 in the Hawaii Bowl
HONOLULU (AP) Marcus McMaryion could not have envisioned this success when he joined Fresno State four months ago.
McMaryion threw for a career-best 342 yards and Jimmy Camacho made four field goals to help Fresno State beat Houston 33-27 on Sunday in the Hawaii Bowl.
The Oregon State-transfer completed 33 of 48 passes to tie the Hawaii bowl record for completions set by Hawaii's Colt Brennan against Arizona State in 2006 and also matched by Fresno State's Derek Carr against SMU in 2012.


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Subject Source: Art & Architecture ThesaurusScope Note: Blank books or albums designed so that a variety of items may be affixed to the pages, including photographs, clippings, and other memorabilia.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Gertrude Ball Travel Album, 1925
Collection — Box MISC-03, Folder: MSS-0060
Identifier: MSS-0060
Content Description Travel album or scrapbook documenting the trip of Gertrude Ball, Ridgway Ball, and Della Clapper from Omaha, Nebraska to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Their trip is narrated with extensive handwritten text in the album and includes photographs, postcards, and ephemera.


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Track Another COSCO Container Consignment >>
COSCO Container Tracking Help
If you experience problems using our system, please click on the link below to track and trace your container directly on the COSCO Container Lines website.
Official Container Tracking Webpage >>
365Tracking.net is only able to provide tracing and tracking services. Should you wish to make an enquiry regarding the status of your shipping container, we advise you to contact COSCO Container Lines directly.
About COSCO Container Lines
By December 31 of 2011, COSCON has 157 container carries with a carrying capacity of up to 667970 TEUs.
Connecting more than 159 principal ports in over 48 countries and regions across the world, the Company operates over 76 international shipping routes, 10 international feeder routes, 21 coastal routes in China and 67 routes in the Zhu Jiang delta and the Chang Jiang River.
With an annual carrying amount of 6,910,041 TEUs, 11.2% higher over the last year, the carrying capacity of COSCON has reached high up in the world chart.
COSCON has woven a huge global service network which consists of more than 400 sales and service points. In mainland China, COSCON boasts service coverage containing 300 sales and service points.
On top of China and Asia, COSCON's plies its route between vital ports in Europe, America, Africa and Australia…
Related Shipping Container & Cargo Companies
You may find the following related container companies useful.
Main shipping container tracking page >>


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On the new streaming show Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch, founders step into the Entrepreneur Elevator and have just 60 seconds to present their idea, product or business to a panel of investors. Whether an entrepreneur gets invited into the boardroom or sent back to the ground floor depends on what our experts think in that first minute. Here, we break down the lessons aspiring business owners can take away from each episode's pitches.
In the third episode of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch, investors heard about a medical device, a social media solution, a tech gadget for young adults and more. But, most important in each of these episodes are the lessons business leaders can learn as they prepare to present their businesses to investors and potential customers.
Nervousness doesn't matter if your idea is compelling.
Amy Beckley is owner and CEO of MFB Fertility, a medical device company designed to help women conceive. Although she was noticeably nervous while delivering her elevator pitch, she conveyed her message with passion, which helped the panel see the value in her product. Her pitch specifically connected with investor Kim Green-Kerr, who has friends dealing with fertility issues. This made her feel connected to the product. It didn't matter that the pitch wasn't perfect.
This is a good reminder that despite all the hard work you may put into developing and honing a pitch, making a connection with an investor usually comes down to the product itself. No founder can predict if one person in a pitch meeting will feel a direct connection to her product. All you can do is build products you believe in and let that passion show when you pitch.
Stay professional and take criticism well.
Social media is still just as hot an industry as it has been for years, so entrepreneurs face a great deal of competition when trying to launch a business in the space. Sean Tasdemir, founder of social media discovery app Turnoutt, initially won the panel's curiosity by mentioning his patents. However, once in the boardroom, investors more or less quickly determined that his idea for a real-world social network just hadn't been tested enough yet.
Tasdemir didn't want to give up the fight, and very professionally explained to investors more about his app, staying assertive but not overly aggressive. Unfortunately, they had to turn him down because the app just hadn't seen enough use yet to actually deserve the investment Tasdemir sought. He did, however, maintain an open attitude and was very thankful to the investors for revealing to him that he wasn't quite ready yet for investment. His professionalism let him take a step back and not let ego get in the way too much. Now he's looking to adjust his concept in response. Take this same constructive attitude into any pitch meeting you enter.
Be realistic with your ask.
Unlike an entrepreneur earlier in the episode who never made it out of the elevator, Brittany Evans, founder of Sparkbudz, wowed investors with her realistic ask. If an entrepreneur gets too greedy, investors often won't even entertain that person's pitch. Evans asked for $35,000 for 15 percent equity for her product, ear buds geared to a youthful demographic.
Not only did Evans issue a reasonable investment request, her bubbly personality intrigued the investors, who wanted to hear more. She demonstrated a clear understanding of her target audience and described the market research she'd already conducted. The initial investment she was requesting was to develop the product, with plans to raise more funding once ready to begin manufacturing.
By making a reasonable request and fully understanding her product, Evans was able to secure the investment she was requesting. Investors realized they weren't investing so much in the product, but in the smart, pragmatic, easy-going young person who had shown up in their boardroom. Personality made all the difference for the investors, who saw tons of potential in someone they could mentor.
Pitching to investors can be one of the most daunting aspects of starting a new business. However, Elevator Pitch illustrates that with the right preparation, an entrepreneur can win over a team of investors in a matter of minutes. Even the most nervous entrepreneur can excel if he or she has passion, professionalism , and a thoroughly developed plan.
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text: The Pratt & Whitney J52 (company designation JT8A) is an axial-flow turbojet engine originally designed for the United States Navy,[1] in the 9,000 lbf-class. It powered the A-6 Intruder and the AGM-28 Hound Dog cruise missile. The engine is still in use in 2011 in models of the A-4 Skyhawk and the EA-6B Prowler. The engine also provided the basis for the Pratt & Whitney JT8D, a popular civilian low-bypass turbofan engine.


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Should you replace your car with a newer model with lower fuel consumption?
1. Introduction
2. Method of analysis
Choice of test cases
Valuation of cases
Cost function
Optimum solution
3. Sample problem
Available options
Cost functions
Solution method
Choosing a non-optimum choice
Method of analysis
Choice of test cases
The available set of test cases is preselected by the user to account for personal preferences. For example, a user may choose to consider buying a Honda Accord, a Nissan Cefiro, or stay with the current vehicle. While there are numerous other choices available in the market, these are may not be included in the test because the user deems these unfit for consideration, based on price and preference.
Valuation of cases
Each case is valued based on purchase price and fuel consumption. Depreciation/resale value is not considered as this is not easy to predict for people unfamiliar with the used-car market. Cost of maintenance and repairs is also not considered as reliable records are difficult to obtain.
Fuel- dependent on expected driving distance in a month, fuel consumption of the car and cost of fuel
Opportunity cost (lost of potential investment income)- dependent on money invested in obtaining a new car (after accounting for the resale price of the current vehicle) and the expected rate of return in the capital market
Cost function
The cost of fuel is the product of distance driven per month, the quantity of fuel used per km, and the price of fuel.
Z = dηp + c[(1+i)1/12 - 1]
Z is the total cost per month
d is the expected distance driven in a month
η is the fuel consumption per km
p is the price of fuel
c is the cost of obtaining a new car
i is the rate of return in the capital market
Optimum solution
The optimum solution is the choice which results in the lowest cost per mont.
Sample problem
He is considering buying a used Toyota Prius, which sells for $10,000 and has a published fuel consumption rate of 0.05 liters of petrol per km travelled. (Case 2)
Alternatively, a Honda Accord is available for $4500, and consumes 0.08 liters of petrol per km travelled. (Case 3)
The capital market rate of return, i, and the price of fuel, p, is not known.
Cost functions
Z2 + (10000-3000)[(1+i)1/12 - 1]
Z3 = 1500×0.08p + (4500-3000)[(1+i)1/12 - 1]
As discussed above, the cost function for each case is the cost of fuel and the lost opportunity to invest in capital markets. Case 1 does not involve opportunity cost as no additional outlays are required.
Solution method
A brute force approach will be used here, as this method allows a large number of cases to be considered. It goes without saying that a spreadsheet program will be most helpful.
The cost functions for all cases are evaluated for a set of possible values of p and i.
The series of tables show the cost of making each choice for different combinations of fuel price and market rate of return. In this solution, the optimum choice (least expensive) is Case 2 if the market rate of return is expected to be low, and Case 3 if the market rate of return i is expected to be high.
Choosing a non-optimum choice
In some cases, the user may have non-monetary preferences. For example, the protagonist may have a slight dislike for the Toyota Prius because of the perception that only hippies and tree hugging Hollywood-types will want one of these cars.
As it turns out, the Toyota Prius (case 2) was found to be least costly in situations where i is low. In such situations, choosing case 3 instead of case 2 means the user will have to spend more than absolutely necessary.
How much extra are you willing to pay to choose a non-optimal choice? If p = 1.60 and i = 5%, the cost Z2 is 149 while the cost Z3 is 198. Are you willing to pay an extra $49 per month just to escape the tree-hugging image of a Toyota Prius?
Labels: applied mathematics, how-to


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I wish that I could say it was Memorial Day and the summer was just beginning. But, alas, the Labor Day weekend has begun. Give me a few minutes while I dry my tears. While autumn on Long … Continue reading
Category Archives: Vegetables
This past Monday, the Great Lent began or as the Greeks say, Megali Sarakosti. During this 40 day period meat, dairy or any animal products should not be consumed. Many, like my father, who by the way is 94, adheres to this strict fast for its duration. Some choose to abstain on Wednesdays and Fridays, and others only follow the fast during Holy Week.
Finding new foods to offer my family had been a challenge over the years, but I found that many of the tried and true traditional recipes that generations of faithful before me ate were some of my best choices. In many ways it is a much healthier way to eat. As we take the focus off our gluttony and on to more spiritual thoughts, we also cleanse our body from the impurities in many of the foods we eat.
As some of you know I recently released the second book in my Greek heritage inspired saga. Enjoy an excerpt from Waiting For Aegina, along with a recipe from one of the foods the characters enjoy as they look out onto the clear blue waters of Greece.
Summer 1978
For Amy, the three weeks that she and Sophia had spent in Greece together proved to be a perfect escape, and a place where she made some very important decisions.
They were in Aegina, seated on the elevated front porch of the Fotopoulos beach house overlooking the clear blue water as sunbeams reflected off its gentle waves. Fuchsia bougainvillea spilled over the sides of the whitewashed walls and down the stone steps that led to the golden sand. Amy picked a flower off the vine and brought it up to her nose. For all its delicate, paper-like beauty, it did not have a determinable scent. But the vibrant color and the abundance in which they grew were stunning in contrast to the white homes and the blue sky.
They sat contemplatively and ate a simple lunch. Plump red tomatoes, chunks of cucumber and slabs of feta cheese filled their plates. Sophia ripped a small piece of bread from a crusty loaf and spooned some melitzanosalata onto it. The eggplant dip was one of her favorites, and her yiayiá had given her some to take back to the beach house when they visited her in Athens the day before.
The girls spent most of their time on the island, exploring the tiny shops, tavernas and markets on the main street of the waterfront. They'd wander ancient ruins and sometimes offer to take a photo or two for a group of tourists. And Sophia even took Amy to Agios Nektarios, the holy monastery where tens of thousands went each year to pray to the patron saint for a miracle.
3 Large eggplants
1 Head of garlic
¼ Cup seasoned breadcrumbs
½ Cup extra virgin olive oil
1 Teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Juice from ½ of a large lemon
3 Tablespoons freshly snipped dill
1 Teaspoon sugar
1 Tablespoon paprika
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Pre-heat oven to 400º
Place the eggplant on the rack of the baking dish. Puncture each eggplant in several places so that excess water will drain as it roasts.
Place a head of garlic on aluminum foil. Slice off the top and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the foil around the garlic and place it in the same baking pan as the eggplant.
Roast for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool for 45 minutes to an hour.
Peel away the skin of the eggplant and remove as much of the seeds as possible. Squeeze the roasted garlic from the skin.
In a food processor, pulse together the eggplant, garlic, breadcrumbs, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon, dill, sugar, cayenne (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper, until fully blended.
*Keep in mind that each eggplant is different in size and water content. You may need to adjust the amount of oil or breadcrumbs to achieve the consistency you desire.
Serve on crostini, crackers, pita, or crusty bread.
It's that time of the year again! Fall is upon us and we begin our marathon of holidays and entertaining—for me that begins with Halloween. Ever since my children were very young we made a huge deal of every occasion, and now that they are full grown adults that hasn't changed on bit.
Each year I would prepare stuffed pepper and tomatoes, take the children trick-or-treating with their cousins, and then our two families would have dinner together. Afterward, the dads would take the children back out to trick-or-treat in the dark.
The dinner became a tradition, and as the children grew to adulthood it seemed more people began to join our 'ritual'. Lucky for us, we have our niece and nephew who now bring their children to our gathering – I've been told it's the highlight of their Halloween! And my daughter and her co-teacher bring their dogs, dressed in costume, to beg for candy.
Our group of eight has now gone to sixteen. A simple meal of stuffed peppers doesn't seem to be enough anymore. Last year I came up with this recipe for sweet corncakes and they were a hit! So, since I'll be making them again, I thought I'd share the recipe once more for anyone who might have missed it.
Sweet Corncakes
2 cups corn (preferably fresh off the cob, or thawed frozen)
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs + another 2 cups for coating cakes
¼ cup dried chives
1 tablespoon cilantro (substitute parsley if you don't care for cilantro)
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
In a food processor, pulse the corn into a puree. Do not over process. There should be some texture to the mixture. Transfer to a medium sized bowl. Add the cheese, breadcrumbs, chives, cilantro, Greek yogurt, honey, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. To make the patties, form into balls a little larger than golf balls and flatten. Place the remaining panko breadcrumbs in a plate and coat each cake.
*Place in an airtight container and freeze, separating each layer with wax or parchment paper. Spray oil spray on grill or brush oil on the grill grates. Grill until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes on each side.
*I recommend freezing before grilling. This will ensure that the patties will not fall apart during the cooking process.
Happy autumn! It's been a busy but wonderful summer and I'm sorry to see it go. I'd love to rewind and do it all over again. I've neglected this blog a bit, but for good reason. But I'm back now and I have a few announcements to share with all of you!
At the end of June we went to Disneyworld. Now that isn't uncommon for our family, but we went with my husband's nephew and his family who had never been there before. The children, 7-year-old Sophia and 3-year-old Ryan had a truly magical experience—we did too, watching them enjoy every moment.
Between boat rides on the Long Island Sound, backyard gatherings by our pool with friends and family, day trips out East to wineries and the Hamptons, and the many Greek festivals we attended, it was easy to get distracted from finishing Book II in The Gift Saga. But I was rooted to the computer every evening and late into the night until it was time to leave for a long awaited trip to Greece.
We flew into Venice, Italy and stayed there until we boarded a cruise ship, which would take us to several Greek locations. Venice was so unique and beautiful, and the food was delicious. Our first stop was Montenegro—a country I never would have thought to visit, but I'm so happy I had the opportunity to experience it. It had so much history and the towns were charming. The food was similar to Greek and Italian food, but with their own unique spin. Again – delicious. Let me just say now that everyplace we went, the food was amazing. The next day was charming Corfu and the next was Athens, birthplace of my mother. Mykonos was heaven on earth – the food, the town – the beaches. Kefalonia was the last stop before heading back to Venice. That was a place I wanted to visit my entire life. It was where my grandfather was from. He would take my mother there every summer when she was a girl. Finally, we got to see all the places we had only known of only from her memories.
Now that the beautiful summer is over, it's time to get back to work. I'm putting the finishing touches on the book while the editor has her finger on it. For those of you who read Evanthia's Gift, you know that I added recipes between some of the chapters. I am currently gathering the recipes to place in Book II.
There's a chapter that takes Sophia and Amy back to 1978 when they are at Sophia's grandparents' beach house in Aegina. They are sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine and snacking on melitzanosalata – a traditional eggplant dip. I've come up with my own recipe for this easy to make and delicious dip. I'm sharing it will all of you before it is even published in the book.
I invite you to check out my author Facebook page – Effie Kammenou – and my instagram –cheffieskitchen – if you'd like to see some of the pictures from my trip to Greece and Venice. It's also a great place to keep updated on future events and promotions.
I'm announcing the title of the book here first:
Waiting for Aegina
Book II in The Gift Saga
Release date to be announced at a later time (fingers crossed – by Thanksgiving)
3 Large eggplants
1 Head of garlic
¼ Cup seasoned breadcrumbs
½ Cup extra virgin olive oil
1 Teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Juice from ½ of a large lemon
3 Tablespoons freshly snipped dill
1 Teaspoon sugar
1 Tablespoon paprika
Dash of cayenne pepper
Salt & pepper to taste
Pre-heat oven to 400º
Place the eggplant on the rack of the baking dish. Puncture each eggplant in several places so that excess water will drain as it roasts.
Place a head of garlic on aluminum foil. Slice off the top and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the foil around the garlic and place it in the same baking pan as the eggplant.
Roast for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool for 45 minutes to an hour.
Peel away the skin of the eggplant and remove as much of the seeds as possible. Squeeze the roasted garlic from the skin.
In a food processor, pulse together the eggplant, garlic, breadcrumbs, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon, dill, sugar, cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper, until fully blended.
*Keep in mind that each eggplant is different in size and water content. You may need to adjust the amount of oil or breadcrumbs to achieve the consistency you desire.
Serve on crostini, with crackers, pita, or with crusty bread.
With the warm weather finally upon us, my cravings have shifted to lighter and fresher foods as opposed to the heavier sauce laden meals of winter. Salads made with fresh corn, tomatoes, and cucumber for example. And the herbs! Freshly snipped from my container garden. A while back I posted this recipe for panzanella salad, but with everyone planning outdoor parties, I thought this would be a good time to share it once again for all my new followers. It's definitely been a favorite around here.
Panzanella salad is a bread salad that is traditionally Italian. But, what can I say? I have to put my spin on it and Greekify it. We can say it's a fusion of sorts—like my family. My husband is Italian so this salad has a bit of both our culinary cultures.
Buon Appetito & Kali Orexi
Greek Panzanella Salad
Party size
4 – 5 large tomatoes cut in thick slices
2 cucumbers cut in chunks or thick slices
1 small red onion thinly sliced
2 red, yellow or orange peppers cut in chunks
1 round Tuscan bread with crusts removed and cut into 1-1/2 cubes
1 pound slab of feta cheese
1 cup basil leaves
(Fresh dill, chives and parsley may be added also)
Heat a large skillet and coat with olive oil. Add the bread cubes, constantly turning as each side browns. This can be done a day ahead.
Cut up all the vegetables and place in a very large mixing bowl. Drizzle with oil and vinegar, tossing until coated. Add salt and pepper to taste, a teaspoon of sugar and 2 cloves of crushed garlic. Mix well. Add the basil and any other fresh herbs you like. I always add oregano, but I also add fresh dill, chives or parsley if I have it on hand. Break the feta into chunks and add to the salad. Add the toasted bread cubes. Toss to coat. Transfer into a large salad bowl. There should be little or no excess dressing left in mixing bowl. If you would like to make the dressing ahead, I recommend mixing the fresh herbs in with the vegetables, not the dressing. If you only have dried herbs on hand you can add the herbs to the dressing. Below is a Greek salad dressing using dried herbs.
Greek Salad Dressing
1 cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cloves crushed garlic
Combine all ingredients and whisk well, shake in a cruet or emulsify in a blender. Drizzle over salad, mixing and tossing to coat. Do not overdress. You will not use all the dressing. Keep in the fridge for later use.
Last year, I posted a recipe for grilled corn salad, and it became one of my favorite side dishes to make for my backyard parties last summer. This recipe is exactly the same, but for one step. I didn't grill the corn. Call it laziness or my unwillingness to stand outside in cold weather, but I wasn't about to turn on the grill. So I boiled the corn instead, and the result was delicious. The combination of the lime juice and the fresh corn was refreshing. The grilled corn was flavored differently because of the char on the kernels, and was equally tasty but in a different way. The choice is always yours. And of course, you can try it both ways to see which you prefer. I love them both. The one thing I know for sure is that I am so happy to be cooking summer food and enjoying the warm weather at last!
12 ears of corn, husked
3 limes, juice and zest
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons chives
½ cup sliced scallions
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup fresh basil, chiffonade
12- 14 mini kumato tomatoes, halved
Place the corn in boiling water for no longer than two minutes. Cool and remove kernels from the cob. In a bowl, add corn, scallions and tomatoes. Drizzle in the olive oil and add the zest and lime juice. Mix well. Add salt and pepper. Add chives and basil, mixing gently.
This is the crowd size portion, and can be made a day ahead. Smaller portions make a nice side dish for every day dinners.
Countdown to Greek Easter – Spanakopita
Yes! I said Easter. Orthodox Easter arrives much later this year, May 1, and today begins Holy Week. For those of us who will be doing the cooking, this week's fasting restrictions present a challenge. Tasting your food to make sure the seasoning is correct is vital, but since our diet is restricted this is impossible. No meat, dairy or olive oil is to be consumed. The experienced cook, and that includes most Greek moms and yiayiás, have learned to cook tradition recipes without sampling.
In honor of Greek Easter, this week's posts will include the delicious foods being prepared for Easter, and some recipes to try while holding the fast. Of course, if you are not restricted this week, feel free to try these healthy recipes, as well as the foods you probably have only tried at Greek festivals.
I'll start with an easy one. Spanakopita. Don't get intimidated by the phyllo. It's easier to work with than you think. Make a few trays and freeze them. It's a crowd pleaser and having them already prepared saves last minute work.
I remember "the making of the spanakopita" as the laborious main even of the day. The spinach would have to be washed and rinsed from the sand at least two or three times, and then dried. Then my mother would sauté the spinach and press out all the excess liquid through a fine strainer.
I have so many good memories of watching my mother bake and cook, and learning all that I know from her, but this was not something that looked like fun to me. For years, I never made spanakopita. I made little triangles of tiropita, but never trays of spanakopita. I let my sister slave in the kitchen over that one.
I had this idea. What if I didn't sauté the spinach? How would it come out? Well, I got my answer. Delicious. And the best part? I didn't slave for hours.
I forgot to tell you about my second cheat. Now anyone that is acquainted with me, knows I'm not one to cut corners, or use ready-made products, but for this recipe, I only use baby spinach that has been triple washed! A little more expensive, but worth it!
2 pounds fresh spinach
1 teaspoon kosher salt
6 finely sliced scallions
1 medium onion, diced
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup loosely packed fresh parsley and mint combination, chopped
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
2 pounds imported Greek feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Pepper to taste
A dash or two of nutmeg
1 pound packaged phyllo
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350°
Sauté the scallions and onion until tender. Normally, what most people do, and what I'd always watched my mother do, was to sauté the spinach, and then squeeze out the excess liquid. This is where I decided to cheat a bit. I saved myself the aggravation of all that pressing and draining and it paid off! It was a risk, but it was worth the try.
In a huge bowl, toss the spinach, sautéed scallions & onions, parsley, mint, dill, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, nutmeg, eggs and the feta together. The spinach is going to melt down when it cooks in the oven and, by not sautéing it beforehand, it won't wilt down as much.
Grease a large baking pan and lay 8-10 phyllo leaves down, brushing each layer with butter. Spread the filling over the buttered pastry leaves. Lay another 8-10 leaves on top, brushing each leaf with butter. Tuck in any overhanging phyllo edges. Score the spanakopita with a sharp knife into square pieces. Pour any remaining butter evenly over the top. Bake for 45 – 55 minutes until golden.
New Years—a time for renewal, clean slates and fresh starts. During the holidays, I bombarded you with decadent desserts, tempting your taste buds and torturing your mind with fear of climbing onto the scale.
But the truth is, every day can be a fresh start. There's no need to wait for the beginning of a year or a certain month. Simply take your resolution of healthy eating day by day. I say healthy eating and not the dreaded word diet. Once that word is used, you are doomed to failure.
The notion is that once the diet is completed and the goal is reached, you can resume eating "normally." "Normally" is what created the need for the diet in the first place. Too much food and the wrong foods have been accepted as the norm.
Aside from being the country with the biggest obesity problem, we also have the highest incidence of diabetes and high cholesterol. Why do you think this is? It's simple, really. Our portions are way too large. The concept of supersizing meals or "all you can eat," is foreign to people from other countries. Another factor is the processed foods that we eat. I'm telling you, they are not only making you gain weight, but also affecting your health. Our bodies are not hard-wired to understand how to digest the chemicals in the foods that come out of a box. Should I even mention how much cancer we are dealing with in this country?
I've said it many times—BUY INGREDIENTS NOT PRODUCTS!!!
One of the reasons I started this blog was to show people how quick and easy cooking can be. Sharing my Greek heritage through my food and stories is something that I love to do, but I also want to showcase other, easier recipes that readers can make in a pinch after a day at work.
So if you make any resolution to go on a diet, please change your mindset and think about permanently altering your eating habits just enough to be a little healthier and safer, and I promise you, the pounds will come off as a bonus.
This avocado toast recipe could not be any easier. I've watched my daughter make it in a matter of five minutes. Alexa is a graphic designer and when they are on photo shoots for the magazine she works for, they order food for the creative team. This is her favorite thing to have for breakfast, but I think it makes nice lunch as well. It's entirely up to you.
*Did You Know?
–Avocado is a superfood and contains 20 different vitamins and minerals.
–Avocados do not contain cholesterol and are low in saturated fat.
–Avocados contain more potassium than bananas.
–Avocados are heart-healthy, loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids.
–Avocados are loaded with fiber.
Avocado Toasts
1 avocado, mashed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice from ½ lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Brick oven or chiabatta bread, toasted
Mix all the ingredients together. Spread onto toasted bread and serve immediately.
With Thanksgiving only nine days away, preparation and organization is key. Especially when, like many of us, we are trying to juggle more than we can be done in any given day, unless of course you require no sleep whatsoever. For this reason, I try to prepare some foods that can be made ahead and frozen without compromising the flavor.
Two weeks ago, I made tiroptia – triangle cheese pies – to serve as an appetizer, and I froze them. I often do this and have them on hand when unexpected company comes, or we decide to have an impromptu gathering.
Today, I made corncakes, which I plan on serving as a side dish. I happened to come across the Food Network TV show, Giada at home, and she made corncakes with smoked mozzarella. The method was quick and easy, and I decided to make them one evening when I had a crowd over for dinner.
Everyone loved them, and they especially enjoyed the smell and taste from the smoky flavor of the mozzarella. I, on the other hand, thought they were just okay. Don't get me wrong – Giada can do no wrong in my eyes. She's my celebrity chef idol, but I wasn't sold on the smoked cheese.
I like my corncakes on the sweet side, so I decided to try my hand at my own recipe, tailored to my tastes. For Thanksgiving, I'm serving both Giada's smoked corncakes and my sweet corncakes. I've already prepared and frozen the patties, and I'll grill them the morning of Thanksgiving and heat them in the oven warmer before serving them. Freezing is recommended regardless of when you plan to serve them. It helps to keep the patty from falling apart when grilled.
Sweet Corncakes
2 cups corn (preferably fresh off the cob, or thawed frozen)
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup dried chives
1 tablespoon cilantro
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
In a food processor, pulse the corn into a puree. Do not over process. There should be some texture to the mixture. Transfer to a medium sized bowl. Add the cheese, breadcrumbs, chives, cilantro, Greek yogurt, honey, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. To make the patties, form into balls a little larger than golf balls. Flatten to form the patties. Place in an airtight container and freeze. Spray oil spray on grill or brush oil on the grill grates. Grill until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes on each side.
There are certain foods you make for holidays year after year. It may be something you only make once or twice a year, so your family and guests look forward to it. For instance, the stuffing recipe that I shared with you in my last post — if that didn't make its way to my Thanksgiving table there would be a lot of unhappy faces and censure over breaking tradition. But as eating habits have changed over time, so must the menu.
The chestnut stuffing recipe makes no claims to be low fat. In fact, it's quite the opposite. So to balance it out, this year I'm taking out a very beloved cauliflower recipe I'd made for years with another healthier one.
The one I'd made before had butter, cream and Swiss cheese. If I was eating nothing else, I could eat a large plate of it. However, with all the other foods, particularly that stuffing, which I crave, I only could manage a taste.
This year, I will be roasting the cauliflower, and no one will miss the fatty cream and cheese because I am seasoning with flavorful herbs and spices. I know my daughters will be happy. They don't enjoy the fatty foods and prefer the vegetables in their natural state, and not drowning in a creamy sauce.
Please, don't limit yourself to cauliflower. There's a world of delicious vegetables available. You can roast broccoli, peppers, carrots, or any other root vegetable. It's so easy and there's no fuss.
Roasted Vegetables
1 large head cauliflower
2 pounds multi-colored potatoes, or any variety
1 pound carrots
Or the vegetables of your choice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ tsp shallot salt
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons dried chives
Mix together in a small bowl the sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, shallot salt, parsley, and chives.
*I doubled the seasoning recipe since I was making cauliflower and potato and carrots.
Using two separate large bowls, fill one with the cauliflower and the other with the carrots and potatoes. Drizzle each with olive oil and toss thoroughly to coat. If the cauliflower is extra large, you may need to add another tablespoon of olive oil to coat evenly. Do not saturate with oil. Sprinkle the seasoning into both bowls and toss to coat. Place on a shallow parchment lined baking dish or cookie sheet. Roast for 40 minutes at 400º
** For roasting beets – wash the beets, cutting the tips off each end. Drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil on the beets and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap the beets in aluminum foil and place in a baking pan. Bake at 400º for 40 minutes for medium size or one hour for large beets. After, unwrap the foil and cool. The skins will peel off easily.


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"J" definition grouping of occasionally used financial terms you have potentially stumbled upon while laboring over your personal finances or perusing this directory, with a full description by means of an individual term link click.
- Joint Account – Any account extending privileges or liabilities to two or more entities is a type of joint account. In
- Joint Liability – If two or more people share joint liability, it means they are each individually responsible for the
- Joint Return – US income tax laws allows married couples to file a single 'joint' tax return. Joint returns enjoy some
- Judicial Foreclosure – Some mortgage terms do not allow the lender to force a foreclosure without the consent of a
- Junk Bonds – The much-used phrase "junk bonds" is often poorly defined; many investors refer to any money-losing


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Carly Brook Schroeder is an American film and television actress. She is best known for playing Serena Baldwin, the daughter of Scotty Baldwin and Lucy Coe in the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles. Enjoy Carly Schroeder's best quotes below.
"I think that's a great opportunity, to pick a script where you can build up a good skill. I think the main thing I look for when I look at scripts is if it's inspirational. If it's something that teenagers can relate to. And is it something that the audience is going to get something out of. If not, then it's really not worth doing."
"I never watch MTV. I don't have time to watch TV. And when I do, I'm watching the Discovery Channel. 'Deadliest Catch: Crab Fishing in Alaska,' that's my show."
"You really can't do a remake. I mean, 'King Kong' needed its turn to be remade. It needed an update. But the 'Bad News Bears,' or 'The Shaggy D.A.,' those are classic movies. I think they did a good job of remaking them, but it's just not the same thing. Nobody can top Tatum O'Neal. It just isn't the same."
"I've always been more of a camera hog than anything, and it's just another way to get it all out!"
"I've now been doing this for ten years, and I actually got to skip a stage of going to casting directors, and now I meet with the directors, either for lunch or an audition room, and I still read sides; you're never going to get around that, but I'm not the best person to go on an audition."
"I would never try and do a remake off a movie. I think that's a whole different thing. I think everyone will always remember the first movie, and they will always compare it with the second one."
"Harrison Ford is absolutely amazing. He is a Hollywood icon, and just to work with him was absolutely incredible."
"I think it's really important to give back and show other people that you care."
"I'm really a family girl. My mom's like, 'As soon as you're on your own, we're going to move back to Indiana.' Well, that might be when I'm 26."
"Just getting to wake up and play somebody else for an entire day is just an amazing thing."
"Everybody always talks about how they can't wait until they turn 18, so they can go out on their own and get their own apartment, and I'm like, 'I want to be with Mom!' I have it good."


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To thrive in today's era of accelerated, unrelenting changes and digital transformation, organizations must create a digitally connected and collaborative work environment or risk being left behind. Organizations that endeavor to embrace this change are adopting a digital workplace strategy which enables faster and instant access to everything an employee needs. CSS Corp's Workspace Collaboration Services (WCS) is a highly integrated collaboration environment that includes email, instant messaging, calendaring, electronic learning, document management, web conference services, and web content management (CMS). Our workplace and collaboration services improve organizational effectiveness, unify communication and maximize productivity with centralized management. We help design and cloud messaging and collaboration services that are best aligned with your organizational needs.
Achieve Speed, Agility and Cost Optimization with CSS Corp's proven & efficient Office 365 Services
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Metrobanner – Valkyrien, West platform
Front-lit metrobanner at Valkyrien metro station, platform west.
1500 x 296,5 cm
Visible area
Same as format
Polyester fabric
• Document is preferably made in 1:10*
• Effective DPI: 50 or higher
• CMYK (preferably FOGRA39)
• 1 cm bleed and crop marks
• Fonts must be vectorized (saved as text contours)
* Files can also be made in e.g 1:2.
Remember to adjust the DPI accordingly.
Delivery notes
The high-resolution PDF must be named
METRO STATION, ADVERTISER, FORMAT and WEEK OF CAMPAIGN.
Upload files to ClearChannel here: http//clearchannel.no/last-opp-filer/


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2016- on going project
Indigenous people Huni Kuin and Yawanawá appear on leaves thanks to the chlorophyll from plant's leaves found in their tribe in Amazon rainforest.
The chlorophyll process is an organic alternative photography process, the prints are bleached by sunlight directly onto the surface of leaves using a positive.
The work create a subjective memory of the place and its inhabitants and, poetically, establishes a relationship between people and the nature that surrounds them. They have millennial knowledge of plants. The plants are sacred, it is a vision that has been lost in the West but remains in the native cultures.


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President Obama to award Medal of Honor Livestream of President Bush, Mrs. Bush, Dick Cheney, Condi speaking at groundbreaking – TSA not backing off – Elizabeth Drew, Robbi Dickens b'day
BULLETIN – ROYAL WEDDING – Reuters/London: "Britain's Prince William is to marry his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton next year, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday. William, 28, the elder son of heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, and Middleton, 28, became engaged while on holiday in Kenya. … 'The wedding will take place in the spring or summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.' The statement said William, who met Middleton, daughter of self-made entrepreneurs, while at university, had informed Queen Elizabeth and also sought the permission of Middleton's father."
SHOT – "Statement of the President on Earmark Reform": "I welcome Senator McConnell's decision to join me and members of both parties who support cracking down on wasteful earmark spending … In the days and weeks to come, I look forward to working with Democrats and Republicans to not only end earmark spending, but to find other ways to bring down our deficits for our children."
Story Continued Below
--CHASER, posted last night on House Republican Leader John Boehner's blog, by Deputy Communications Director Mike Ricci -- "Does President Obama Really Support an Earmark Ban?": "[N]owhere in his statement does the president urge the leaders of his party to hold simple up-or-down votes on imposing an earmark ban, something House and Senate Republicans will do this week. … Why is President Obama standing in the way of our ability to move forward and take this critical step towards restoring public trust?" http://bit.ly/9EvGFo
WHO NEEDS CONGRESS? Taking lessons from the Clinton years, when a Republican Congress prompted more focus on executive authority, the Center for American Progress today is releasing a report, "Power of the President," proposing 30 executive actions the president can take to advance progressive change in the areas of energy, the economy, health care, education, foreign policy, and national security. "The following authorities can be used to ensure progress on key issues facing the country today: Executive orders, Rulemaking, Agency management, Convening and creating public-private partnerships , Commanding the armed forces, Diplomacy." Report will be released at 2 p.m., with a press call featuring John D. Podesta, CAP's president and CEO; Neera Tanden, CAP's COO; and Sarah R. Wartell, CAP Executive Vice President.
EXCLUSIVE: Despite viral objections to new technology and procedures, the Transportation Security Administration PLANS NO RETREAT on airport screening, officials tell Playbook. But the administration is having conversations with pilots' unions about their loud objections to the full-body scanners and alternate patdowns, and a resolution is expected this week. As Thanksgiving approaches, look for more 9-11 families and other "security validators" to make the case in the media for rigorous screening. The fire on this story was lit by Drudge, along with CNN and USA Today, and the complaints by pilots were a propellant. Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano scored a front-page headline, story and photo in USA Today on Monday with her call for patience and vigilance by the traveling public.
THE PRESIDENT and the FIRST LADY will tape a joint interview with Barbara Walters for a Thanksgiving special that will air Friday, Nov. 26, on ABC. Walters will announce the interview on "The View" this morning.
-- On Thursday, Larry King sits with Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden for an interview airing that night.
OUT TODAY, by BARACK OBAMA – "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters," a picture-book tribute to 13 groundbreaking Americans – "To Michelle – whose fierce love and daily good sense have nourished such wonderful daughters" – "Have I told you lately how wonderful you are? How the sound of your feet running from afar brings dancing rhythms to my day? … Have I told you that you are brave? A man named Jackie Robinson played baseball and showed us all how to turn fear to respect and respect to love. … Have I told you that you are part of a family? A man named Abraham Lincoln knew that all of America should work together." $8.99 on Amazon http://amzn.to/ck8TmO
--Alfred A. Knopf release: "first printing of 500,000 copies … The book was acquired and the manuscript completed prior to the President's taking office in January 2009."
--EXCLUSIVE: The president will donate after-tax proceeds from his children's book to a scholarship program run by the Fisher House Foundation, dedicated to providing scholarships to the children of fallen and disabled service members. This scholarship fund will be a subset of the Fisher House Foundation's current Scholarship for Military Children Program. http://www.fisherhouse.org
DICK CHENEY and CONDI RICE are speaking at today's Groundbreaking Ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center, on a 24-acre site at Southern Methodist University, in Dallas. Other speakers include Mark Craig (invocation), Don Evans, Mark Langdale, David Ferriero (the AOTUS), Gerald Turner (SMU president), Jake Torres (student body prez), President Bush (on "Unleashing Human Potential") and Mrs. Bush (on "Empowering Women"). Will be attended by 3,200, including more than 800 members of the Bush-Cheney Alumni Association. Livestream at 11:28 a.m. ET http://bit.ly/b3Mxkl PDF of the program http://bit.ly/c5zLGK
--David Almacy tweets: "BCAA Reunion w/ @scottstanzel @TonyFratto @KarlRove @DanaPerino @ssiciliano @imjamesdavis @pfeifle & 800 others. (@ Gilley's Dallas)."
**A message from Brown Bailout: Congress is back, and that means legislators may try to pass a few things before they get out of town, including the Brown Bailout. Learn more at www.brownbailout.com **
PIC DU JOUR -- L.A. Times A1, "D.C.'S FRESHMAN CLASS ARRIVES: Republican first-time Rep. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin records a video for his Facebook page in the Capitol's Statuary Hall." http://lat.ms/39ZQ8K Another photo of Duffy walking as he tapes and narrates a Facebook video http://bit.ly/bh2DLk
VIDEO – Lisa Murkowski tells Katie Couric that she wouldn't back fellow Alaskan Sarah Palin for president: "I just do not think that she has … those leadership qualities, that intellectual curiosity that allows for … building good and great policies. … I don't think that she enjoyed governing." http://bit.ly/cHpBW2
DRIVING THE DAY – At 2 p.m., per the White House, "the President will award Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta [jee-UN'-tah], U.S. Army, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. Staff Sergeant Giunta will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions during combat operations against an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan in October 2007. Staff Sergeant Giunta's wife, Jennifer, and his parents, Steven and Rosemary Giunta, will join the President and the First Lady in the East Room to commemorate his example of selfless service."
--VIDEO: Giunta describes the day to Lara Logan on "60 Minutes." http://bit.ly/9Yqb86
THE BACKSTORY, from White House statements:
--"Sergeant Giunta will be the first living service member to be awarded the Medal of Honor for service in Iraq or Afghanistan."
--"Then-Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself by acts of gallantry at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifle team leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment during combat operations against an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan on October 25, 2007. When an insurgent force ambush split Specialist Giunta's squad into two groups, he exposed himself to enemy fire to pull a comrade back to cover. Later, while engaging the enemy and attempting to link up with the rest of his squad, Specialist Giunta noticed two insurgents carrying away a fellow soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other, and provided medical aid to his wounded comrade while the rest of his squad caught up and provided security. His courage and leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon's ability defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American paratrooper from enemy hands."
--"Salvatore Augustine Giunta was born on January 21, 1985. He is a native of Hiawatha, Iowa. He enlisted in the United States Army in November 2003. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Staff Sergeant Giunta is currently assigned to 2-503rd Infantry Battalion, Rear Detachment, Camp Ederle, Italy. Staff Sergeant Giunta has completed two combat tours to Afghanistan totaling 27 months of deployment. His military decorations include: the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal w/oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, to name a few. He is married to Jennifer Lynn Mueller. His parents are Steven and Rosemary Giunta of Hiawatha, Iowa."
BIRTHDAYS: Robbi Dickens is 3-1 … Elizabeth Drew (hat tip: Brendan Daly)… Jay Newton-Small (hat tip: Phil Elliott) … Atlantic Council of the United States Managing Editor James Joyner ... American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity's Lisa Camooso Miller (hat tip: Chris Frates) ... CFR's Michael Levi (h/ts Patrick Gavin).
BIRTHDAY TOMORROW: John Boehner is 6-1.
ENGAGED: John Shinkle, this weekend at Great Falls, to Suzanne Fortnum (hat tip: Erika Compart).
SPOTTED: Robert Draper, celebrating a quiet birthday dinner with Lara and a writer pal at Estadio (contemporary Spanish cuisine in the Logan Circle neighborhood).
POLITICO in print, p. 1 image http://politi.co/bUulxw
GAME CHANGE – "McConnell bows to right on earmarks," by Manu Raju: "As he worked the phones over the past week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell concluded he was in a no-win situation over earmarks. The Kentucky Republican could dig in and fight a proposed ban on earmarks, opening him up to attacks from his party's right wing … Or he could side with earmark detractors — and look as though he had capitulated in the first big test of his authority by the aggressive Sen. Jim DeMint-wing of the Republican Caucus … Sensing the political appeal lay squarely with earmark foes, McConnell stunned official Washington on Monday by saying he would support a two-year ban on the pet projects." http://bit.ly/bV2K0n
--JOHN THUNE supports the earmark moratorium, per an aide: "Senator Thune has previously supported and voted for earmark moratoriums and he supports Sen. DeMint's earmark moratorium. However, Sen. Thune will be offering a proposal that actually addresses the issue of spending by calling for overall non-discrectionary spending levels to be lowered to 2008 levels, which would save approximately $450 billion over ten years."
--MITT ROMNEY launches a "Stand Against Earmarks" petition. http://mi.tt/da2xWz
HAPPENING THIS MORNING: Connecticut Gov.-elect Dan Malloy and DLC Chairman Harold Ford Jr. headline a panel discussion, "Governing a Divided Washington: Lessons Learned from the Midterm Elections," 8:30 a.m., at The Sofitel.
" POWER AND THE PEOPLE: A POLITICO POLL SERIES" -- Andy Barr: "Washington elites and the general population have dramatically different views about the message of the midterm election, what to do about the new health care bill and even President Barack Obama's chances of getting reelected, according to a new POLITICO poll released Tuesday. The starkest contrast came in the divergent interpretations of the Nov. 2 elections. Washingtonians involved in the policymaking or political process have a great degree of certainty in their interpretation of the election results—61 percent think voters sent a message of 'disapproval of Washington D.C. as a whole.' … The general population, however, was less sure. Just 36 percent think the election results reflected disapproval of Washington." http://bit.ly/b80nZS Full results http://politi.co/9RAjm7
BRAD DAYSPRING op-ed for POLITICO, "False accusations, echo chambers": "On Nov. 10, Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Regency Hotel in New York. Early the next morning, after a handful of journalists asked for details, our office released a short readout divided into three different issue areas – Iran, the United Nations, and the U.S. election. The following two sentences appeared about the election results: 'On the U.S. Election: Eric stressed that the new Republican majority will serve as a check on the administration and what has been, up until this point, one party rule in Washington. He made clear that the Republican majority understands the special relationship between Israel and the United States, and that the security of each nation is reliant upon the other.' … Eric reiterated administration policy, according to its own definition." Brad Dayspring is the press secretary for the House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.). http://politi.co/9PgP8S
LAUNCHING: ConservativeHome USA, "Covering the future of the GOP and conservatism in America." It's an across-the-pond version of the British "ConservativeHome." http://conhomeusa.typepad.com Twitter: @ConHomeUSA
FACEBOOK ENTERS E-MAIL WAR – USA Today: "Facebook started to roll out a revamped messaging platform Monday that could change how millions of people use e-mail … Facebook began to offer a few thousand U.S. members an e-mail address that consists of their user name followed by @facebook.com. It will take a few months to make it available to all of the social-networking giant's 500 million members. … 'This is not an e-mail killer,' Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at a press conference in San Francisco. 'It is a messaging system that includes e-mail. We don't expect anyone to totally switch from Yahoo or Gmail to Facebook.' 'People always win when there's more choice, because it leads to better products,' Google spokeswoman Victoria Katsarou said." http://usat.ly/8XmM6t
--YouTube: Facebook video about the changes, which have been modeled on chat: no subject lines, no cc or bcc, and the message goes instantly. http://bit.ly/cmgx2U
--FaceBook blog post http://on.fb.me/a09zyR Screenshots http://scr.bi/aGFhNg
10 a.m. ET ANNOUNCEMENT – WSJ: "Apple Inc. is preparing to disclose that its iTunes Store will soon start carrying music by the Beatles … The Beatles aren't the only big iTunes holdout. AC/DC, Bob Seger and Kid Rock all have withheld their music from the online store. Other longtime digital wallflowers such as Metallica and Led Zeppelin have relented in recent years. … The Fab Four's arrival in the digital age comes very late compared to most other major acts'. The group also was a latecomer to the CD era, waiting until 1987 to issue their main body of work on a medium that the industry had embraced in the early to mid part of the decade."
--NYT A1: "Working It Out: ITunes to Offer Beatles Catalog." http://nyti.ms/9X616K
FORECLOSURE MESS COULD THREATEN BIG BANKS -- AP Business Writer Marcy Gordon: "The disarray stemming from flawed foreclosure documents could threaten major banks with billions of dollars in losses, deepen the disruption in the housing market and hurt the government's effort to keep people in their homes, according to a new report from a congressional watchdog. … If the irregularities are widespread, the consequences could be severe, the Congressional Oversight Panel said."
DANGER, WILL ROBINSON – N.Y. Times off-lead, "EUROPEANS FEAR DEBT CRISIS GOES BEYOND IRELAND," by Landon Thomas Jr. in London and James Kanter in Brussels: "European officials, increasingly concerned that the Continent's debt crisis will spread, are warning that any new rescue plans may need to cover Portugal as well as Ireland … [T]he current situation feels eerily similar to what happened months ago in Greece, where the cost of borrowing rose precipitously. … Of paramount concern to policy makers in Europe is Spain, which is struggling to close its own deficit of 9 percent of G.D.P. at a time when unemployment is more than 20 percent and the economy is failing to grow." http://nyti.ms/crHrPq
VIRGINIA THOMAS V. WASHPOST -- Kenneth P. Vogel: "Virginia Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, reportedly is stepping down from her leadership role of a well-funded tea party group she founded last year. Her group, Liberty Central, is planning to merge with another conservative non-profit group called the Patrick Henry Center, the Washington Post reported Monday … Thomas will 'take a back seat so that Liberty Central can continue with its mission without any of the distractions,' a spokeswoman, Caitlin Carroll of CRC Public Relations, told the Post's Amy Gardner. … Keith Appell of CRC Public Relations, which does public relations for Liberty Central, would neither confirm nor deny the Post's report … 'That conversation (between Gardner and Carroll) was off the record and Amy Gardner breached confidentiality,' Appell said in a statement." http://bit.ly/9MVV84 The Post stuck with its story in the lead and headline in this morning's print edition, although the story later notes that the report has been disputed. http://wapo.st/8YEUBQ
THE PRESIDENT'S DAY, besides the Medal of Honor ceremony: At 9:45 a.m., "the President and the Vice President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. The President will then meet with senior advisors in the Oval Office and receive the Economic Daily Briefing in the Roosevelt Room. … Later, the President will meet with Senator Robert Menendez and Representatives Nydia Velazquez and Luis Gutierrez of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in the Oval Office. … Later in the afternoon, the President will meet with Secretary of Defense Gates in the Oval Office."
--THE V.P.'s DAY: "In the morning, the Vice President will attend the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. At 10:45 AM, the Vice President will chair a regular meeting of senior officials to assess progress in Iraq. … At 2:00 PM, the Vice President will deliver remarks at the 'Focus on Recovery' Biennial National Procurement and Grant Fraud Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The conference is co-sponsored by the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service, and the Department of Justice's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. … In the evening, the Vice President will attend an event for the Ministry of Caring in Wilmington, Delaware."
--THE FIRST LADY IN NEWARK AND HARLEM, COMING UP THURSDAY: "First Lady Michelle Obama will be joined by Newark Mayor and honorary Partnership for Healthy America Vice Chair Cory Booker to discuss with students how they are shaping school nutrition, and physical activity policies and programs in their schools and communities. As part of her Let's Move! initiative to reduce childhood obesity Mrs. Obama will receive a student briefing, moderated by Mayor Booker, where she will hear from Maple Avenue School students as well as representatives from the Alliance for a Healthier America Youth Council. … Also on Thursday, as part of her Let's Move! initiative, the First Lady will participate in an after-school event in Central Harlem with elementary school children at the New York Police Athletic League's Harlem Center."
MEDIAWATCH -- "2 Dems claim Huffington stole website idea," by Ben Smith: "Two Democratic consultants are accusing Arianna Huffington and her business partner of stealing their idea for the powerhouse liberal website Huffington Post. Peter Daou and James Boyce charge that Huffington and partner Ken Lerer designed the website from a plan they had presented them, … according to a lawsuit to be filed in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan. … Huffington called the charge of stolen ideas and broken deals 'a completely absurd, ludicrous supposition' … 'James Boyce and Peter Daou, two political operatives who we rejected going into business with or hiring 6 years ago, and who had absolutely nothing to do with creating, running, financing, or building the Huffington Post, now concoct some scheme saying they own part of the company,' she and Lerer said in a written statement to POLITICO." http://bit.ly/bJ7e1j
BUSINESS BURST – "Fed Easing Is Not Aimed at Weakening US Dollar: Dudley," by Steve Liesman, CNBC Senior Economics Reporter: "New York Fed President Bill Dudley, in one of the first Fed interviews since the central bank's policy came under attack at the G20 meetings in Seoul, said critics were 'off base' to believe the aim of the policy is to weaken the U.S. dollar." Dudley, in a CNBC interview, said the Fed is "not trying to push the dollar to any particular level. What we're trying to do through our large-scale asset purchase programs is to remove Treasurys from the market and force private investors into other assets." http://bit.ly/9XL5vE
--WSJ A1, "Bond Market Defies Fed": "Bucking the Federal Reserve's efforts to push interest rates lower, investors are selling off U.S. government debt, driving rates in many cases to their highest levels in more than three months. … The trend is a potential problem for the economy and the Fed. Rates had fallen sharply for months in anticipation of a Fed buying program, and in a short time much of that effect has been lost, spelling an unwelcome rise in borrowing costs throughout the economy."
SPORTS BLINK – NFL.com, "Monday night massacre" – SI.com's Jim Trotter: "On a night when Donovan McNabb signed a potential $78 million extension with the Redskins, Eagles counterpart Michael Vick played like the quarterback more deserving of a megadeal. Vick was virtually flawless in leading Philadelphia to a 59-28 rain-soaked victory at FedEx Field. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns, rushed eight times for 80 yards and two scores and helped the Eagles set franchise highs for total yards (592) and points in a half (45). Their 28-0 lead at the end of the first quarter was the largest for a road team since at least 1950. … [H]e became the first player in NFL history with at least 300 yards passing, 50 yards rushing, four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a game." http://bit.ly/atkQ4Z
--Halftime score was 45-14. ESPN says the NFL record for first-half scoring is held by the Green Bay Packers, who racked up 49 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1983.
**Presented by BrownBailout.com, brought to you by FedEx Express: Congress is back for its lame-duck session, and has a long list of must-pass items. One of them is the FAA Reauthorization Act. Unfortunately, an anti-competitive bailout provision for UPS, inserted into the House FAA bill by Representative Oberstar, is one of the amendments unrelated to improving air transportation still blocking passage. The Senate made it clear the UPS bailout cannot pass in the Senate by voting in March to approve its FAA bill 93-0 without the UPS provision. But don't be surprised if UPS and Oberstar try to quietly slip the Brown Bailout into unrelated legislation before year end. We encourage you to learn more about UPS's backdoor attempts to undermine FedEx Express's reliability, and ask you to write to your representatives in Congress today to ask them to stop the Brown Bailout. To learn more, please visit www.brownbailout.com **


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Soon after David Silva became fast friends with drug dealer Derrick Santiesteban a decade ago, he introduced him to his big brother, Roderick Silva.
Silva, a Miami-Dade County police detective, would snort cocaine with them at parties. He would also turn into a highly valuable asset for the Santiesteban family's marijuana-distribution ring, federal prosecutors say.
"Silva gave Derrick hand-written lists of suspected grow houses, so he could determine if any of [his] were under suspicion or about to be raided," according to court records. "Derrick would pay [Silva] $1,000 for these lists."
On Thursday, the onetime narcotics detective pleaded guilty to protecting the family's violent pot organization, making Silva the 21st and possibly last defendant to be convicted in the long-running federal case.
Silva, who joined the Miami-Dade force in 2003, was charged last year with aiding and abetting the Santiesteban family's distribution network and with extortion for accepting $1,500 to keep quiet about its illegal drug business.
His plea agreement was struck before the start of his trial next week. Prosecutors agreed to drop the extortion charge as part of the deal. Silva, 45, faces between three and five years in prison at his sentencing July 21 before U.S. District Judge Robert Scola.
The plea agreement, negotiated between lead prosecutor Pat Sullivan and defense attorney Nathan Diamond, revolves around Silva's role in helping the notorious Miami-based organization distribute between 100 and 400 kilos of powerful hydroponically grown marijuana in the Northeast.
On Thursday, Silva admitted that he tipped off the Santiesteban organization about upcoming Miami-Dade police raids in exchange for payments ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
He also gave the clan tips on how to avoid police and even passed along misinformation to his fellow detectives about the Santiesteban family's large-scale operation, according to a factual statement filed with the plea agreement.
And, he revealed the locations of rival marijuana grow houses, information the Santiestebans used in home-invasion robberies.
The family members — headed by patriarch Gilberto Sr. and joined by sons Derrick, Gilberto Jr., Alexander and Darvis — were charged along with 16 others over the past three years. Also among those charged: Silva's younger brother, David, who was one of the key members.
All but Roderick Silva had been convicted — until Thursday.
All of the gang members are serving long prison sentences, including Derrick Santiesteban, who received a life sentence.
Investigators say the Santiesteban clan operated 20 indoor hydroponic marijuana grow houses, yielding at least 1,146 potent pot plants that produced millions of dollars in profits from a distribution network in the Northeast.
Miami-Dade police and FBI agents took down the outfit in 2012 after they began investigating the gang's murder of a rival doper, Fidel Ruz Moreno.
The group was accused of fatally shooting Ruz in June 2009 after he and others had posed as cops and ripped off about 50 pounds of marijuana from Derrick Santiesteban. He and his wife were packaging the load at their southwest Miami-Dade home to transport to New York.
Silva, the onetime detective, reported the murder to Miami-Dade investigators a full day after Ruz's body was found dead on the street in the Hammocks area. Silva lied that Derrick Santiesteban was a "confidential informant" about marijuana growers — instead of revealing "it was likely that Derrick was involved in the murder" of the rival dope dealer, according to Silva's factual statement.
Silva refused to "go on the record" with a sworn statement because "he feared retaliation from Derrick Santiesteban." He said he would prefer to resign from the Miami-Dade force than testify against him.
After exposing himself as a suspect in the Santiesteban case, Silva was placed on desk duty in the records unit. Last year, he was relieved of duty.


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Daily Deal November 2, 2011:
Learn Spanish Instant Immersion Spanish Language Pack 16 CD / 5 CD-ROM
(click on the above title or image to be taken to the product page)
Manufacturer: Topics Entertainment
Model #: SEIMMSPANISHGROUPPACK
Condition: New
Warranty: N/A
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The Instant Immersion Spanish Super Pack is your complete solution for Spanish language learning, combining three entire programs, beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, on 16 Audio CDs and 5 CD-ROMs.
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- Software System Requirements: PC Compatible, Pentium II 200MHz or higher, Windows 98 or higher, 90MB HDD, 16MB RAM, 800×600 display or higher, 4X CD-ROM drive or faster, speaker, mouse.


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Acnezine vs Accutane
TopConsumerReviews.com is a world-leading consumer product review site. We provide detailed reviews and ratings for thousands of products and services.
Acnezine vs Accutane
Disclosure: We are not compensated by companies for their reviews, but we may be compensated for links and advertisements on our website. Click here for details.
The Acnezine solution consists of both a capsule and a topical cream. The recommended dosage for the capsules is 1 per day, and each bottle contains a 30-day supply. The combined solution is effective and offered at a lower price point than many other products.
This product is all natural, with the ingredients clearly listed and explained on the website. The Acnezine capsule is designed to cleanse and detoxify the body from the inside out, and has no reported side effects. The ingredients inside of Acnezine work to control free radicals that cause skin damage, aging, and wrinkling, and that can contribute to infection. Acnezine also limits inflammation, helping take care of the ugly redness, and works to limit the inflammatory response that can cause scarring. It also works to promote healing.
The topical cream works to reduce the number of surface skin bacteria, reduces inflammation, and moisturizes the skin. The active ingredient is Benzoyl peroxide, a widely used antiseptic that also acts as an oxidizing agent. This is designed to be used at least twice a day.
Most people who have used Acnezine get optimal results after one to three months. After the initial program it is not necessary to use it again, but annual maintenance is encouraged if needed. With Acnezine, no prescription is needed, it can be ordered online or over the phone 24 hours a day.
Acnezine is one of the most cost-effective products in our review. A 30-day application , which consists of both the internal supplements and the cream, costs only $39.95. The price is discounted with each additional bottle you purchase, up to 4 bottles, at which point you get an additional two bottles free. That is an extremely attractive offer for a very good solution.
Since Acnezine consists of an all-natural formula, one additional benefit is that it will enhance any acne regimen that you may already be using, without any side effects.
Acnezine offers a risk-free 30-day trial to all of its customers. If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, you can return the product for a full refund less the processing fee and shipping and handling.
Acnezine's combination of an internal supplement and a topical cream is a very effective product for fighting acne. Their all-natural formula works to clear up existing acne and moisturize the skin, while trying to prevent future outbreaks that aren't apparent yet. If you have delicate skin, or are looking for a cost-effective solution that focuses on handling acne from a healthy body approach, Acnezine may be the best choice for you.
Accutane is a powerful, doctor-prescribed medication for controlling acne. When used under the right conditions, it can be a very effective acne fighting product. However, great care should be taken before starting an Accutane therapy.
Accutane is a naturally-occurring derivative of Vitamin A, and therefore is quickly absorbed by the body. It works by altering DNA transcription, to decrease the size and output of sebaceous glands - in other words, reducing the amount of oil produced by the body. It also makes the cells in the sebaceous glands less "sticky" and therefore less able to form whiteheads and blackheads.
Accutane is usually prescribed for individuals with moderate to severe acne who haven't responded to other forms of acne relief. The program usually lasts 4-6 months. Some people notice that their acne gets worse after beginning Accutane therapy. This is normal and the skin will usually show signs of improvement within 4 weeks.
Over two million people have used Accutane so it is a very well-known and monitored medication. While it has proven very effective in about 50% of respondents, it also has a long list of side effects. These include:
Because of this list of potentially dangerous side effects, and the cost of the medication, many doctors prescribe Accutane only after other acne relief has failed. In fact, the birth defects that are attributed to Accutane are so severe that many doctors ask for two negative pregnancy tests before they even prescribe the drug. On the other hand, many of the people who have tried other acne products without success have found positive results with Accutane.
Bottom line: Accutane is an effective medication for moderate to severe acne. However, it is expensive, only available via prescription, and has a long list of side effects. Accutane should only be used as a last resort.
To help you find the Best Acne Products, TopConsumerReviews.com provides you with an in-depth comparison of Acnezine and Accutane.
Millions of people suffer from some form of acne. Whether you're a child going to school, a teenager starting to date, or an adult coping with the rigours of day-to-day life, acne can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition.
In addition to natural causes of acne, certain types of medications and cosmetics can lead to a breakout. Although the exact cause of acne isn't known, there are dozens of acne products that can address the visible symptoms of acne.
Some products are prescription-only, with harsh side effects. Other over-the-counter acne relief can be just as effective, safer, and cost far less.
There are many acne products available for you to choose from. Some are proven to be effective, while others ride a lot of marketing hype. When looking at different acne products, there are certain factors you want to consider.
Some of these include:
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best acne products available today. We hope this information helps you successfully fight your acne issues today!
Acne Myths
Acne is an embarrassing and often painful problem that can last a few days to several years. Unfortunately, many people don't know the ins and outs of acne to best manage their skin issues. Several mysteries shroud the truth when it comes to acne. For example, how your diet affects your skin and how acne is started are often misunderstood. Despite a concerted effort, people are often confused by their pestering pimples. Below is a list of common acne myths to help you better understand and deal with your skin problems.
Myth: Acne is caused by poor hygiene, and frequent/vigorous cleansing heals it.
Truth: Contrary to popular belief acne is not caused by poor hygiene. Acne is caused by a combination of dead skin cells clogging the pores, and an overproduction of oil. Yes, poor hygiene can contribute to this but a dirty face makes no difference, as long as the pores aren't clogged. Along that same note, it is important to wash your face. Most dermatologists recommend twice a day cleansing and, equally important, to not over-wash. In fact, many studies show that over-washing or scrubbing too hard is extremely bad for your skin and can rub it raw. Remember, the best way to keep your pores open and clean is by gently washing twice a day.
Myth: Acne is caused by junk food.
Truth: Most studies report there is no correlation between diet and acne. However, some people do insist that their skin looks better when eating healthier. As it is always a good idea to eat healthy anyways, do what works best for you. But don't expect miracle skin after eating carrots and celery.
Myth: Acne is just a cosmetic disease, and is nothing to worry over. You just have to let it run its course.
Truth: This is never correct. While acne is not life threatening, it is a skin condition that can be very painful and embarrassing. Self-esteem and self-confidence are part of being an emotionally healthy individual. Also crucial to note is that you don't have to let acne "just, run its course". There are many products out there that can help you achieve the complexion you want.
Myth: Acne only affects teenagers.
Truth: Acne can affect anyone, at any time, and anywhere. Age absolutely does not matter. Because of how acne develops, an increase in oil production which can be caused by a hormonal imbalance- teens are often the victims. But many adults, and even babies, can end up suffering from acne.
Myth: Tanning and lots of sun exposure can help clear acne.
Truth: It makes acne worse. This acne myth probably originated from people who could see that slightly tanned or dark skin would more easily hide acne. Saying that the sun or tanning can heal acne is incorrect. Sun exposure, in moderation, can be healthy for the skin and complexion but too much sun, which many people expose them to, is very unhealthy. Aside from drying out the skin, and killing skin cells, which can clog up pores, tanning or too much sun exposure is proven to cause skin cancer. The solution is to always wear oil free sunscreen when planning to be outside for prolonged periods of time.
Myth: There is a cure for acne- you just haven't found it.
Truth: There is 100% no cure for acne. People born acne-free are simply lucky. If you suffer from acne, many products can help reduce it and there are ways to prevent it. But nothing will forever take away the chance to develop acne and that's the ugly truth.
Myth: When having an acne breakout, you can't wear make-up.
Truth: With or without acne, you can always wear make-up. Some make-ups that are heavy or really oily can make your acne worse, but there are many different types of make-up. When suffering from an acne breakout, try powder or mineral based make-ups. These will allow your skin to breathe, and conceal your pimples.
Myth: To get rid of acne, simply pop the pimples.
Truth: Popping pimples is incredibly harmful to your skin and can lead to scarring and a worse onslaught of acne later. This is a very bad idea, and a falsehood to avoid.
Acne is a frustrating and difficult issue to deal with. Many people have turned to non-prescription, over-the-counter products to help deal with the symptoms of acne. Independent reviews of these products can help steer savvy consumers to therapies that have a greater chance of success.
Individual Reviews
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The Truth About Acne Products & Health Insurance
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Top 5 Factors to Look for in Acne Products
Acne In The News
Does Having Acne Impact Your Job Prospects The Answer Might Surprise You
Chat with us on Facebook Messenger. Learn what's trending across POPSUGAR. "We live in a society that socializes us to have certain stereotypes that might exist outside of our conscious awareness," sa...
Published: Mon, 13 Aug 2018 07:30:00 GMT
Lili Reinhart: Having Acne On Riverdale Makes My Anxiety A 10 Out Of 10
Lili Reinhart shot to fame playing Betty Cooper on the hit show Riverdale, but that doesn't mean all her skin issues got tossed out with her old headshots. The 21-year-old sat down with Refinery29 to ...
Published: Mon, 13 Aug 2018 18:21:17 GMT
5 Products to Treat Body Acne (Yes, Even Back & Butt Acne)
When it comes to acne-fighting treatments, your face and the more visible areas of your body get a lot more attention. But, most of these skin care treatments don't address the fact that other areas o...
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The Best Foundations to Conceal Your Acne, According to Dermatologists
The best foundation for acne-prone skin has two crucial qualities: It covers up your pimples without looking cakey, and it doesn't clog pores to create a never-ending cycle of breakouts. "Covering mar...
Published: Tue, 07 Aug 2018 12:03:00 GMT
16 things to know before starting an acne treatment
Skin changes, sun sensitivity, and dryness are all things to take note of before trying out an acne treatment, making it important to bring up these concerns with your dermatologist during your next v...
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Pizza Doesn't Give You Acne-But What About Sugar
Among the die-hard skin-care fans on reddit.com's community SkincareAddiction, there's a prevailing belief that committing to a dairy-free diet will majorly affect the prevalence of acne. Take the use...
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This Woman Who "Cured" Her Acne in 3 Months Is Going Viral
If you've ever dealt with acne, you know how much it truly sucks. It can feel like no matter how many prescription creams and drugstore serums you slather on your zits, and no matter how nicely you tr...
Published: Mon, 13 Aug 2018 11:25:00 GMT
Helpful Tips for Clearing Adult Acne
For many men and women, acne does not magically disappear when they finally hit adulthood. Adult acne is common; recent clinical studies show that up to 40% of adults suffer from acne breakouts. Yet, ...
Published: Sat, 04 Aug 2018 13:38:00 GMT
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